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SUVA – The Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management is diligently preparing all its facilities for the 2021-2022 Cyclone Season with readiness status currently at 60%.
While briefing the media on preparations for the upcoming cyclone season this week, Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Hon. Inia Seruiratu said the Ministry would be working diligently in the coming weeks to bridge the identified gaps to ensure we are well prepared for the imminent cyclone season.
This exercise is known as the Operational Readiness Check (ORC). The ORC also assesses the systems that are required for response operations such as:
• emergency or stand-by communications, water and power supply;
• a system for activating the emergency operation centers (EOCs) and its resource organisations i.e., the DISMAC structure;
• stockpiles of emergency equipment and supplies and suitable storage; and
• training required for civil servants, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and volunteers who assist the EOC in disaster response.
“We now have the preparedness status for all EOCs across the country and are now coordinating level of preparedness across all sectors,” Hon. Seruiratu said.
“We have also asked other key Ministries to ensure that they complete their Operation Readiness Check (ORC) before the 30th of September.”
In line with the provisions set out in the Natural Disaster Management Act (1998), the Preparedness Committee had also met on September 17 to discuss the Ministry’s readiness status in the lead up to the new cyclone season.
The Ministry also intends to convene a meeting of the Prevention and Mitigation Committee in the first week of October. Following this, the National Disaster Management Council (NDMC) will also meet ahead of the upcoming cyclone season to review and approve all preparedness plans.
In addition to this, the Ministry has started the prepositioning of key strategic assets to divisional warehouses and had also been working with the Fiji Navy to conduct seaworthiness trials of all its sea capabilities. This includes certification by the The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji – MSAF and the recruitment of an in-house Boat Captain.
“As part of our preparatory works and in partnership with MFAT, we have also completed a $90,000 renovation and improvements in the current warehousing and assets management processes,” he said.
Minister Seruiratu highlighted that the Ministry was working with key Government agencies to not only ensure that evacuation centres adhered to COVID-19 protocols, but that they were also safe and secure for occupation.
He also said that the Fiji NDMO was now preparing for the annual National Disaster Awareness Week (NDAW). Prior to this, he said the Ministry would first launch the National Disaster Awareness Media Campaign, to coincide with the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction on October 13.
“This will mark the start of our concerted push to re-enforce life-saving messages when disasters strike –– and we will be reaching out to our friends in the media to reach as many of our people as possible.”
“Not only will we be focusing awareness on disaster preparedness, we are also working with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to jointly increase awareness on COVID-19 and the issue of Leptospirosis, Typhoid, Dengue Fever and Diarrhoea (LTDD).”
Hon. Seruiratu has also pleaded with the Fijian media and community leaders to help the Ministry in increasing awareness on disaster preparedness.
“As I had alluded to earlier during the launch of our media campaign last year, there is no room for spin when you are reporting in a crisis. Disasters demand good information. Whatever crises we may be responding to, objective reporting of the facts saves lives.”
“Community leaders also play a critical role in ensuring the safety of their community members. Their leadership and art of decision making can make a huge impact in saving lives and properties during disasters.”
“As we embark on another cycle of preparing our communities for the 2021-2022 Cyclone Season, I’d like to make a plea to all community leaders, whether you’re a Turaga Ni Koro, a District Advisory Councilor (DAC) or leaders in your own settlements, please ensure that all villagers and community members are prepared. Look out for the vulnerable members of your respective communities, and ensure that there is a disaster plan in place. Preparedness save lives.”